Fall/Winter 2024

Foundation Update from Executive Director

Hello Friends of Arizona 4-H,

The holidays are approaching, and I’d like to wish you all a happy holiday season filled with the love of family and friends. And, as a friend of 4-H, please never doubt the IMPACT you are making on the lives of our youth. You can see many events and happenings listed in this newsletter, but that barely scratches the surface when compared to all the good work being done at the club and county level around the state. This is made possible by the countless hours put in by volunteers and extension staff, which is where our true program treasure lies. Thanks to them, our youth are engaged, involved, and ready to take on the leadership that will be needed in the future!

Sandra Germann

Executive Director

Due to the generous support of our donors, the Foundation is honored to be able to provide some support to ALL statewide programs and events.Thanks to endowments that we hold and fundraising efforts, we provide nearly $200,000 annually in program support and scholarships. With additional provisions we can do even more in the coming year! Take a look at the calendar of upcoming events listed below, and if there is a statewide event, or particular area, that you feel passionate about helping support, please consider making a gift, or you can reach out to me and I would love to visit with you. All size gifts help and are appreciated.

As state funds become less available, we need your help now more than ever. 4-H programs are relying more and more on the generous support of our donors and friends. You may consider giving by:

- Setting up an endowment that supports a specific project area, or benefits a certain county.

- Becoming a statewide sponsor or individual donor.

- Considering the Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation in your will or estate plan.

- Give proceeds from your IRA Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) and fund a program.

We are also looking for board members to serve on the Foundation board! If you feel led to have a statewide impact and act as a liaison to your county 4-H program, let's visit! You can contact your county 4-H agent, me, or a current board member (listed below), and any of us would love to visit with you.

Thank you for making a difference - whether it be through your monetary gifts, the time you give, or other ways you support our Arizona 4-Hers. The Foundation Board of Directors and I salute you all and wish you the happiest of upcoming holidays.

With Regards,

Sandra Germann poses with Daisy the Cow at the 4-H Booth during the Arizona State Fair in October.

Sandra Germann

Executive Director

Meet Our Team: Board Members, Staff, and Advisors

Executive Committee

President – Kari Petterson

Vice-President – Tom Peterson

Secretary – Staff

Treasurer – Gregg Brummer

Trustees 2023 - 2024

Kari Petterson

Gregg Brummer

Taylar Irvin

Tom Peterson

Brett Benedict

Emily Cathy

Advisors

Tim Bee, Tucson

Nick Pierson, Phoenix

Michelle Mixer, Tucson

Peter Hooper

Kristen Sharp

Ex-Offico Member

Todd Kesner

State 4-H Program Leader & Associate Director

4-H Foundation Staff

Sandra Germann, Executive Director

Donna Wertman, Bookkeeper

Christopher Rochester, Graphic Artist

Reese Urton, Student Talent

Kimberly Alvarez, Student Talent; Newsletter Publisher

Arizona 4-H Staff

Todd Kesner, State 4-H Program Leader & Associate Director

Vacant, Events & Projects Manager

Vacant, 4-H Curriculum Specialist

Margaret Carroll, James 4-H Camp Director

Bryan Welborn, Finance & Policy

Zane Campbell, Student Talent

Meet a Board Member: Tom Peterson, Yavapai County

Tom Peterson

Foundation Board Member

I have lived in Arizona for 45 years and reside in Dewey, Yavapai County. As an entrepreneur for 50 years, I have been passionate about supporting youth development programs, particularly 4-H and Scouts. While I do not have a personal 4-H background, I have actively supported local clubs like the Lonesome Valley Wranglers 4-H Club, which serves over 120 youth members.

I have served on the Arizona 4-H Foundation Youth Board for the last six years and I am currently serving as Vice President. Serving on the Foundation board has allowed me to advocate for the needs of these clubs and support the incredible work of 4-H leaders. 4-H is a life-changing experience for kids, offering hands-on opportunities in various areas such as STEM, robotics, blacksmithing, woodworking, agriculture, and livestock. For donors, I encourage you to continue supporting 4-H and witness its lasting impact on our youth. To kids in or considering 4-H, know it's a safe and fun environment where you can explore your passions and grow.

For those living in rural areas, it provides hands-on learning opportunities for growth and enjoyment. I am committed to finding more adult leaders and volunteers to guide our youth and provide them with opportunities to thrive and connect meaningfully.

Words from Associate Director & State 4-H Program Leader

Dr. Todd Kesner

Associate Director & State 4-H Program Leader

I am very proud to serve as the State 4-H Director for Arizona. It is an honor I do not take lightly. I wasn’t looking for a new job when I was first made aware of the 4-H Program Leader vacancy. But I was encouraged to “just take a look at it”. I did and I was impressed. Throughout the interview process, I felt comfortable with the on-campus team in Extension, the search committee members were very welcoming and hospitable, the Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation board members greeted me with excitement, and I received a warm reception from volunteers and youth alike. Arizona 4-H, I learned, had a lot going for it.

Since accepting the position, I have found nothing to change my mind. We have exceptional 4-H professionals, caring 4-H volunteers, and outstanding young people.

I’ve visited 12 of the 15 counties in Arizona and every visit strengthened my pride in Arizona

4-H. Over the next few years, we will improve the volunteer certification system, strengthen our volunteer training, and expand 4-H to new audiences. I am also very excited to support the national “Beyond Ready” initiative that focuses on life-ready skills to prepare for youth for the future. In reality, 4-H experiences have led to valuable life skills since 1902. Unfortunately, not all employers and institutions recognize the positive impact 4-H has on the workforce, the family, and the community. The Beyond Ready campaign brings this impact to the attention of industry, community coalitions, and public education.

Thank you for your support of the Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation as we uphold our traditions while embracing an exciting future. With your help we can continue to prepare Beyond Ready youth much like we have since the birth of 4-H.

Meet the 2024 - 2025 State 4-H Ambassadors

2024-2025 State Ambassadors attended and presented to the Foundation Board members about 4-H at the Annual Board Meeting in September.

(Ambassadors Listed from Left to Right)

Asher Gonclaves (Pinal County), Grace Youngker (Maricopa County), Abigail Herrera (Maricopa County), Ellyn Peterson (Yavapai County), and Ethan Kanuchok (Maricopa County).

Events & Activities

Arizona 4-H National Shooting Sports Team proudly represented the state at the National Shooting Sports Championships held June 23-28, 2024, in Grand Island, Nebraska.

These 4-H members proudly represented Arizona at the National 4-H Shooting Sports Competition.

On July 15-19, 4-H members attended J.O.L.T (Journey of Opportunities for Leaders of Tomorrow) at the James 4-H Camp. J.O.L.T is a teen leadership conference held in a camping environment.

4-Hers bringing energy and excitement to JOLT, celebrating teamwork and fun in the great outdoors!

The Arizona 4-H Ambassadors strengthen their leadership through team building, outdoor challenges, and strategic planning for this year’s exciting activities at their retreat in July!

The Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation teamed up with the Arizona Dairy Council for a booth at the AZ State Fair. Participants loved testing their aim with our Velcro darts game and learning about 4-H. Candy prizes were a bonus!